California tree care industry joins us to help birds

You will want to remember the following statement even after reading this post:  “There is one person who is wiser than anybody, and that is everybody!”  It was made by the late 18th-19th century French statesman and diplomat, Charles de Maurice de Talleyrand.  We believe it.  We have proof of it.  Here’s how.

The Cavity Conservation Initiative, in partnership with West Coast Arborists, have brought together wildlife advocates and the tree care industry in California to improve tree care and habitat for birds and other wildlife.  (Federal and State bird protection regulations are the spine to which guidelines are hitched.)  Over 90 participants from all regions of California are contributing to the mission of this three-year project begun in 2015.  All agree it’s long overdue.  Our 5th general meeting was held yesterday in Anaheim.  Those who could not attend in person joined us via teleconference.

Have you ever heard members of an orchestra tune their instruments before a long-anticipated concert?  It’s exciting!  You can hear the woodwinds, brass, percussions and strings.   Apart from arborists, our “musicians” are bird biologists, horticulture consulting firms, Audubon members, utility companies, the US and State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Conservation Districts, Urban Forest Councils and more.   Like separate instruments, ideas and arguments rub and polish against each other.  We were honored yesterday to have the Hispanic Arborists Association at the table.  Their membership and input is crucial to us.

Our keystone product will be best management practices for tree care providers, as well as educational resources that can be customized for regional use.  We not only want to unleash the power of the arboriculture industry to help wildlife but we want to motivate those that hire them!  Fingers are crossed that our project will serve as a model for other states.

Learn more by going to treecareforbirds.com.  We hope Talleyrand’s words will inspire you to join others for unimaginable endeavors!